Cle.
Where is he?

Char.
I did not see him since.

Cle. (To Alexas.)
See where he is, who's with him, what he does.—
I did not send you. If you find him sad,
Say, I am dancing; if in mirth, report
That I am sudden sick. Quick, and return. [Exit Alexas.

Char.
Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,
You do not hold the method to enforce
The like from him

Cle
What should I do I do not?

Char.
In each thing give him way, cross him in nothing.

Cle.
Thou teachest like a fool;—the way to lose him

Char.
Tempt him not so too far. Enter Antony.
But here comes Antony.

Cle.
I am sick, and sullen. (to Charmion aside.)

Ant
I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose.

Cle.
Help me away, dear Charmion, I shall fall;
It cannot be thus long, the sides of nature
Will not sustain it.

Ant.
Now, my dearest queen,—

Cle.
Pray you, stand farther from me.

Ant.
What's the matter?

Cle.
I know, by that same eye, there's some good news;
What says the marry'd woman? You may go:
Would she had never giv'n you leave to come!
Let her not say, 'tis I that keep you here,
I have no power upon you; her's you are.

Ant.
The gods best know,—

Cle.
O, never was there queen
So mightily betray'd! Yet, at the first,
I saw the treason planted.

Ant.
Cleopatra,—

Cle.
Why should I think you can be mine, and true,
Though you, in swearing, shake the throned gods,
Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
To be entangl'd with those mouth-made vows,
Which break themselves in swearing!

Ant
Most sweet queen!

Cle.
Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going;
But, bid farewel, and go; when you su'd staying,
Then was the time for words. No going then;
Eternity was in our lips and eyes;
Bliss in our brows, and none our parts so poor,
But was a race of Heaven.

Ant.
Hear me, queen;
The strong necessity of time commands
Our services awhile; but my full heart
Remains in use with you. Our Italy
Shines o'er with civil swords; my more particular,
And that which most with you should safe my going,
Is Fulvia's death.

Cle.
Her death!—Can Fulvia die?

Ant.
She's dead, my queen.

Cle.
O, most false love!
Where be the sacred vials thou should'st fill

With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,
In Fulvia's death, how mine shall be receiv'd.

Ant.
Quarrel no more, but be prepar'd to know
The purposes I bear; which are, or cease,
As you shall give advice. Now, by the fire
That quickens Nilus' slime, I go out hence
Thy soldier, servant; making peace, or war,
As thou affect'st.

Cle.
Cut my lace, Charmion; come;
But let it be; I am quickly ill, and well,
So Antony loves.

Ant.
My precious queen, forbear;
And give true evidence to his love, which stands
An honourable trial.

Cle
So was Fulvia told:—
I pr'ythee, turn aside, and weep for her,
Then bid adieu to me, and say, the tears
Belong to Ægypt. Good now, play one scene
Of excellent dissembling: and let it look
Like perfect honour.

Ant.
You'll heat my blood; no more.

Cle.
You can do better yet; but this is meetly.

Ant.
Now, by my sword,—

Cle.
And target,—still he mends;
But this is not the best. Look, pr'ythee, Charmion,
How this Herculean Roman does become
The carriage of his chafe.

Ant.
I'll leave you, lady.

Cle.
Courteous lord, one word.
Sir, you and I must part; but that's not it;
Sir, you and I have lov'd,—but there's not it;
That you know well. Something it is, I would,—
O, my oblivion is a very Antony,
And I am all forgotten.

Ant.
But that your majesty
Holds idleness your subject, I should take you
For idleness itself.

Cle.
Your honour calls you hence:
Therefore be deaf to my unpity'd folly,
And all the gods go with you! On your sword
Sit laurell'd victory; and smooth success
Be strew'd before your feet!

Ant.
Let us go:—Come on;
Our separation so abides, and flies,
That thou, residing here, go'st yet with me,
And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee. [Exeunt severally.

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